‘A front-row seat to running’s most inspiring and historic moments, with New Zealand in a major role.’ Nick Willis MNZM, two-time Olympic medallist, New Zealand record-holder 1500 m ‘Roger’s account of the global rise of women’s running is the best I’ve ever seen. I’m honoured that my win in the New York Marathon and Lorraine Moller’s in the Avon Marathon are central to his story.’ Allison Roe MBE, winner and record-breaker, Boston and New York City Marathons ‘Roger Robinson is uniquely placed to write this riveting memoir. Throughout the running revolution he’s been a world-class runner, commentator, broadcaster and writer. It is an insider’s view of running – intimate, persuasive and informative.’ Lloyd Jones, Hon DLitt, award-winning New Zealand novelist, Man Booker Prize finalist About The Book: Roger Robinson has been witness to many great moments in the history of running, and to those when running made history in ways beyond sport. As an excited child at the post-war London Olympics, an ardent spectator following the drama of Peter Snell and Murray Halberg at Rome, stadium announcer at the transformative Christchurch Commonwealth Games, TV commentator when Ben Johnson got busted, and more recently as a journalist reporting live on the Boston Marathon bombings, Robinson was there. In a unique cross-over of literature, history and autobiography, Robinson tells of running in Berlin at the moment of German reunification and in New York’s Central Park the day the Twin Towers fell; he is on the TV microphone for Kenya’s first major running victory; and has to find words to help a stadium crowd mourn for the lives lost in the Christchurch earthquake. ‘When Running Made History’ is a superb depiction of the modern running movement. It provides a compelling, close-up account of the American running boom, the defiant emergence of women’s running, the glorious dawn of Africa’s ascendance, the sport’s redefinition of ageing, and its important role in environmental conservation. Robinson lets us run alongside as history is made by Emil Zátopek, Abebe Bikila, Ron Clarke, Dick Tayler, Allison Roe, Paula Radcliffe, Nick Willis, Meb Keflezighi and 85-year-old superstar Ed Whitlock. Robinson brings to life the days when running shaped the world, and shows why so many millions love to run and why running is worth loving. About the Author: Roger Robinson, now Emeritus Professor, is remembered as an outstanding teacher of English at Canterbury and Victoria universities, and by a wider public as stadium announcer at the Christchurch and Auckland Commonwealth Games, and an acclaimed commentator for TVNZ. His books include ‘Katherine Mansfield: In From the Margin’, the ‘Oxford Companion to New Zealand Literature’ and ‘Heroes and Sparrows: A Celebration of Running’.   Praise for the US edition of When Running Made History (Syracuse University Press, 2018): ‘Among the countless books on athletics and running that I have reviewed over the past 60 years, this seminal book is one of the very best. Readers will be enthralled by this eloquent, knowledgeable, humorous, poignant work by a wonderfully descriptive writer.’ Mel Watman, Athletics International, UK

Bind: paperback

Pages: 328

Dimensions: 150 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 22-02-2019

Falconry is an ancient and noble art, still practiced today by falconers throughout the world. While, these days, falconry birds are specially bred in captivity, they are still wild, independent animals and owning and training them requires the right knowledge and skills. Falconry Basics is designed to provide those new to falconry with the essential information they need, including the basics of types of birds and their individual characteristics; acquiring the proper equipment; how best to care for and maintain healthy birds, and all aspects of training, flying and hunting. Accompanied by diagrams, line drawings and photographs throughout, and with additional material, such as a glossary of falconry terms, this newly revised and updated edition offers a comprehensive, practical guide for a whole new generation of falconers.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 288

Dimensions: 189 x 246 mm

Publication Date: 01-06-2019

Whether they’re threading a barrel or shredding a swell, these amazing women are making enormous waves in the world of surfing. If you thought surfing was a male-dominated sport, think again. The thirty women surfers profiled in this thrilling collection can rip a wave with the best of them. Hailing from all over the world, each surfer is featured in spectacular photography and with their own inspirational words. There’s American professional surfer Lindsay Steinriede on how her father’s death has inspired her career; French board shaper Valerie Duprat on how she got her start “sculpting foam”; Conchita Rossler, founder of Mooana Retreat in Portugal, on connecting mind, body, and spirit; and activist Leah Dawson on empowering women. You’ll also meet surfers who are over sixty, who surf while pregnant, who captain boats, teach yoga, and make movies. Breathtaking photography captures these women from every angle, on and off the waves, in some of the world’s most visually stunning locations. The perfect gift for surfing enthusiasts, this unique compilation of stunning pictures and hard-won wisdom proves that the thrill of catching a wave, riding it, and kicking out belongs to everyone.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 256

Dimensions: 240 x 300 mm

Publication Date: 16-09-2019

Previously announced 2020. Offering insight on route planning, training guides, and demystifying the science of the body, On the Run has been composed to educate and inspire runners of all experience levels. More than a health trend, running fosters community: learn about races and clubs throughout the world and discover how runners from different backgrounds, of different ages, and with different abilities are championing the sport.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 256

Dimensions: 210 x 260 mm

Publication Date: 30-09-2020

From the temperate climes of the Spanish islands, over the Nordic fjords, and to the summit of alpine peaks, Wanderlust Europe points the reader in the direction of the continent’s most awe-inspiring routes. Offering expert knowledge on how best to experience nature’s majesty, this stimulating manual for hikers of all skill levels traverses far-reaching locales in pursuit of breathtaking beauty and a sense of freedom. Combining first-hand tips with informative maps and an array of spectacular photography, this book is a welcome addition to the Wanderlust series and for anyone with an urge to connect with the great outdoors.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 320

Dimensions: 225 x 290 mm

Publication Date: 30-09-2020

The increased popularity of rugby union as a spectator sport in the 25 years since it turned professional has thrown a smokescreen over the crisis it faces. A highly physical game has been turned into a dangerous sport by misguidedly trying to match the flow of its great rival, rugby league, and there is a worrying drop in male playing numbers in major nations. Commercialism has been allowed to dominate the game, the English Premiership has severely undermined one of rugby’s greatest success stories - Lions tours to New Zealand, South Africa and Australia - and the major northern hemisphere rugby countries exert financial power over rugby unions south of the equator. The book recounts the history of rugby union’s early decades as a professional sport and praises the best features of the modern game, especially the expansion of women’s rugby. It also provides a template for solving the sport’s injury crisis.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 208

Dimensions: 140 x 215 mm

Publication Date: 15-10-2020

The gruesome stories of the hardest and most ruthless – yet incredibly talented – rugby union players since the First World War. In our era of citing commissioners, super-slow-motion replays and trial by social media, some of their actions are hard to believe. These men were totally committed to the sport, and irrespective of size, reputation or opposition, never took a step back on the pitch. And largely free from the confines of the commitments the modern professional game demands, many were as lively off the pitch as they were fiery on it. The ultimate book about the hard men of rugby union, including some of the very toughest and most talented players from all around the world. With profiles of: Paddy Mayne, Brian Lima, Wayne Shelford, Bobby Windsor, Colin Meads, Jerry Collins, Norm Hadley, David Bedell-Sivright, Scott Gibbs, Gérard Cholley, Trevor Brennan, Wade Dooley, Bakkies Botha, Tomás Lavanini, Sébastien Chabal and Weary Dunlop.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 192

Dimensions: 140 x 215 mm

Publication Date: 01-11-2020

Previously Announced Title Futsal is one of the fastest-growing sports on the planet: over 60 million people play this lightning-fast and tactically intricate variation of indoor football. Despite its growing status, however, futsal’s history remains largely unknown and untold. Jamie Fahey is a leading futsal expert and qualified youth coach. He spent his childhood playing endless football matches in the shattered urban landscape of 1980s Liverpool – on the same streets later graced by Wayne Rooney, the ‘last true street footballer’. Yet when Fahey’s own footballing career stalled, he realised he had been unwittingly learning the skills that pointed to his true passion. In Futsal:The Story of the Indoor Football Revolution, Fahey makes the case for futsal’s transformative grassroots effect, both in the UK and abroad. He also tells the story of futsal’s politics, tactics and personalities – and in doing so, illuminates a hidden corner of sporting history.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 288

Dimensions: 129 x 198 mm

Publication Date: 01-07-2021

This incredible photographic celebration of inspirational female skaters from all over the globe will appeal to skate fans of every age. In ever-increasing numbers, girls and women are gathering at skate parks and competing in skateboarding events on nearly every continent. Filled with stunning full-color photographs of 33 remarkable female skaters in action, this book pays homage to the incredible range of styles, ethnicities, and ages that make up a rapidly growing community. There’s Emily Pross, one of the top downhill skaters in the world, who is known as the “fastest woman on four wheels,” Lucy Osinski and Danielle Francine, cofounders of GRLSWIRL, a grassroots all-female skate community, and Nyimas Bunga Cinta, the youngest ever medalist at age 12 in the Asian Games in women’s street. There are skate coaches, longboard dancers, skate filmmakers, and skateboard makers. You’ll meet skaters who are moms, artists, models, surfers, and architects. What they all have in common is that skating is their way of life. Each profile offers its subject’s own words of wisdom about going after your dreams, falling hard, and getting right back up. The book also includes pages of practical information on everything from skateboarding organizations that champion women, to crews, schools, and camps for girls all over the world. Filled with empowering images and inspiring words, this book will encourage girls and women of every age to get on a board and shred!

Bind: hardback

Pages: 256

Dimensions: 210 x 260 mm

Publication Date: 08-09-2020

Demonstrating how the world’s most popular sport also serves as a common language across all cultures, communities, and ages, this unique handbook explores the diverse country of South Africa through the game of soccer. Documenting the experiences of real-life professional player Ethan Zohn, this guide follows Ethan and his soccer-playing friend Tawela through the home of the 2010 World Cup, as they study ancient cave art and wildlife preserves, observe the migration of whales, and view a professional soccer game at one of the biggest stadiums in the world. Generating engaging, culturally specific activities in math, science, language, geography, and art, this exciting overview includes mask making, hot air experiments, and even learning how to say hello” in the 11 official languages of the country. Highlighting a beautiful corner of the planet, this reference also provides a chance to choose an actual help project in South Africa, encouraging kids to share their experiences at the Soccer World website.

Publication Date: 12-05-2010